Genge the favourite to take on captaincy from Farrell

Ellis Genge is the favourite to replace Owen Farrell as the next England captain after the fly-half decided to step away from international rugby.

Farrell, 32, led England to the World Cup semi-finals in France in October with typical grit and determination, securing an unlikely third-place finish in the process.

The 112-cap fly-half has been harshly maligned in recent months due to his tackling, his interactions with referees and his international form, and has ruled himself out of contention for the 2024 Six Nations to focus on his mental wellbeing.

England, who begin their campaign in February with a trip to Italy, will look to appoint a replacement captain in the interim and Ellis Genge leads the way with bookies at 5/4.

The Leicester prop captained England against France in March when Steve Borthwick’s side were ruthlessly pulled apart 10-53 in a record-breaking Twickenham mauling.

Maro Itoje had long been considered a natural leader for club and country, but has yet to assume the role at either Saracens or England and is therefore priced at 2/1. 

George Ford is likely to replace Farrell at No.10 in the starting XV and is priced at 4/1 to ascend to skipper too, whilst Farrell’s Saracens teammate Jamie George is 6/1.

Latest odds via BettingSites.co.uk

Ellis Genge – 5/4

Maro Itoje – 2/1

George Ford- 4/1

Jamie George – 6/1

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